U. S. Scott #555 - Used - Graded G/VG (SL01-0001-02-02)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

555

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1923

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #555 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
3¢ Violet – Abraham Lincoln, 1923
(4th Bureau Issue – Flat Plate Printing, Perf 11, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #555 is a 3¢ violet stamp issued in 1923 as part of the 4th Bureau definitive series. It features a forward-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln, framed by ornamental scrollwork. “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” arcs across the top, while the denomination “3 CENTS 3” appears in panels at the bottom corners. The stamp was printed via flat plate press on unwatermarked paper and perforated 11 on all four sides.

The submitted example is a used single that has been previously hinged and no longer retains original gum. The design is intact and printed in a rich violet shade, with visible signs of postal use and handling.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is well clear of all perforations, though the margins are unbalanced. The left margin is the narrowest, while the top is the most generous. The bottom margin is slightly tighter than the right. Despite the asymmetry, the stamp easily meets the PSE Fine/Very Fine standard: all margins are clearly visible to the unaided eye and comfortably exceed the 0.2mm minimum.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp has the following faults:
Fault: Several ragged, fuzzy, or shorter perforations (approximately half normal length)
Very Minor Fault: Hinge remnant
Extremely Minor Fault: Pencil writing on back

These faults collectively qualify the stamp for a Fault classification under the 2009 PSE Table of Soundness.
Soundness Classification: Fault
Soundness Deduction: –30 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11 on all sides, consistent with the flat plate printing process. Several perforations—especially on the upper left—are ragged or fuzzy, and some are shorter than standard length. Despite these imperfections, all perforations remain intact and within acceptable limits for soundness classification.

Cancellation Classification:
A moderate black circular cancel touches Lincoln’s hair, ear, and lower right background but does not obscure the face or text significantly. It is neither heavy nor especially light—just clean and present.
Cancellation Classification: Neat/Clean Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –30 (Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 47
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 47 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 555
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Fault (ragged perfs, hinge remnant, pencil writing)
Perforations: Perf 11, with multiple fuzzy or shortened tips
Cancellation: Moderate circular cancel, clean and not visually disruptive
Eye Appeal: No deduction or bonus applied
Final Grade: 47 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Verdict:
This example of Scott #555 presents well with strong centering and a clean cancel, though limited by worn perforations and back faults. It earns a final grade of 47 (Good/Very Good) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (832)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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